Hemlock Drink

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The Hemlock Drink is the perfect fall-inspired bourbon cocktail. It balances warm spices and citrus for a sweet yet refreshing drink you’ll love sipping all season long.

It comes together quickly yet tastes like you fussed over it. It’s the perfect impressive but easy cocktail for holiday entertaining.

Photo of a coupe glass filled with hemlock drink. There is a slice of orange in resting on the edge of the drink. There is a hand grabbing the glass, as it sits on a small white plate. There are ingredients to make Hemlock drink all around the glass, including cinnamon sticks and a bottle of bourbon.

The Hemlock Drink makes for a fantastic cocktail to pair with autumnal meals. Its bourbon base and balance of sweet and spice complement hearty dishes like roast chicken or pork tenderloin.

It’s sure to be a hit at family holiday parties over the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons as well. Offer a bourbon-free version by swapping in apple cider or ginger beer for an inclusive signature drink.

Why You’ll Love This Hemlock Drink Recipe

Easy To Make – The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity – once you have the spiced brown sugar simple syrup made, the drink comes together in just seconds. The syrup can be prepared ahead in bulk and stored in the refrigerator, so putting it together happens in seconds.
Warming On Cold Winter Evenings – Savoring this bourbon cocktail by the fireplace is a delicious way to take the edge off cold weather. One sip of its sweet spiced heat and you’ll feel cozy and content no matter the temperature outside. And check out this Vegan EggNog recipe for more seasonal goodies.
Impress Your Guests – Served in a rocks or coup glass with an orange garnish slice, this bourbon cocktail looks as delightful as it tastes. Your guests will be raving over this simple yet show-stopping drink. And give this German Chocolate Cake Cocktail a try for another impressive drink.

Top view photo of the ingredients to make the simple syrup for Hemlock Drink, in separate bowls. There are cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, as well as the other ingredients in the bowls.

Ingredients To Make This Hemlock Cocktail

Naval Orange –The center of the orange slice releases its juices to add sweetness and orange flavor to the drink. The muddled orange peel will add a bright acidity to the cocktail.

Vanilla Bean – Vanilla bean adds a warm sweetness to the cocktail.

Spiced Simple Syrup – We’re making a spiced brown sugar simple syrup to go in this cocktail– the brown sugar adds a bit of sweetness while the cinnamon and star anise add warmth and spice.

Orange Bitters – Orange bitters enhance the earthy citrus flavor of the cocktail. Angostura bitters will also work if that’s what you have on hand

Bourbon – Bourbon pairs wonderfully with the flavors of this cocktail but a rye would also be delicious. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Candied Orange Slices and Rosemary Sprigs – Add candied orange slices and rosemary springs as a garnish to create an appealing experience your guests will love.

With these ingredients, you can make this Hemlock Cocktail recipe with simple ingredients that are sure to wow your guests.

Collage of photos, showing each step to make Hemlock Drinks. There are six steps shown in this collage.

Steps To Make This Hemlock Drink

For the Spiced Simple Syrup

Place all of the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook until the brown sugar has dissolved– about 5 minutes.
Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Discard after 7 days. Extra spiced syrup can be used in other cocktails or coffee drinks.

For the Cocktail

Add the orange slices, vanilla bean, spiced simple syrup, and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker and muddle for 30-45 seconds, or until the orange has released its juices.
Add the bourbon and then fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Shake or stir until well chilled.
Strain into two lowball or coupe glasses and garnish with a candied orange slice and a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy immediately.

For the full list of ingredients and instructions, refer to the recipe for Hemlock Drinks below.

Cindy’s Tips And Tricks For Making This Hemlock Drink Cocktail

Use A High-Quality Bourbon For The Best Flavor

The right bourbon brings warmth, richness, and balance. Selecting a good high-proof small batch or bonded bourbon elevates this already amazing cocktail.

Taste test a few quality bourbons to pick your personal favorite.

Make The Brown Sugar Syrup Ahead Of Time

Keep a batch of brown sugar spice syrup in your fridge or freezer so you can whip up this elegant drink anytime.

Muddle The Orange Slices

A key step in making the Hemlock Drink is muddling the fresh orange slice – this helps release the aromatic oils from the orange peel to infuse with bright, citrusy essence.

Photo of a coup glass filled with hemlock drink. There is a slice of orange in resting on the edge of the drink. The glass is sitting on a black plate. There are ingredients to make Hemlock drink all around the glass, including cinnamon sticks and a bottle of bourbon.

FAQ About This Hemlock Drink

What type of bourbon works best?

A high-rye bourbon like Four Roses has a nice spice, but any quality bourbon will work.

Can I use store-bought simple syrup instead?

You can, but the brown sugar homemade syrup makes it extra special.

What glass should I use?

A rocks glass is perfect for serving over ice. Or use a coup for a neat presentation.

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Hemlock Drink

The Hemlock Drink is the perfect fall-inspired bourbon cocktail. It balances warm spices and citrus for a sweet yet refreshing drink you'll love sipping all season long.

Louisa

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Ingredients

For The Spiced Simple Syrup

¼ cup dark brown sugar
¼ cup water
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise whole

For The Cocktail

2 slices navel orange about ¼" thick
1 vanilla bean (split open) or ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
½ ounce spiced simple syrup (or 1 tablespoon)
4 dashes orange bitters
4 ounces bourbon
2 candied orange slices optional garnish
2 rosemary sprigs optional garnish

Instructions

For The Spiced Simple Syrup

Place all of the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook until the brown sugar has dissolved– about 5 minutes.
Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Discard after 7 days. Extra spiced syrup can be used in other cocktails or coffee drinks.

For The Cocktail

Add the orange slices, vanilla bean, spiced simple syrup, and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker and muddle for 30-45 seconds, or until the orange has released its juices.
Add the bourbon and then fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Shake or stir until well chilled.
Strain into two lowball or coupe glasses and garnish with a candied orange slice and a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use A High-Quality Bourbon For The Best Flavor

The right bourbon brings warmth, richness, and balance. Selecting a good high-proof small batch or bonded bourbon elevates this already amazing cocktail.

Taste test a few quality bourbons to pick your personal favorite.